Vizhinjam Port to host Indias first LNG bunkering hub

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to become Indias first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering facility, marking a transformative step in the countrys maritime energy transition. Strategically situated close to the East-West international shipping corridor, the upcoming facility will establish Vizhinjam as a pivotal gateway for low-carbon shipping across the Indian Ocean region. Conceived as a dedicated LNG refuelling hub for international vessels, the project will provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels. This initiative aligns Indias maritime infrastructure with the International Maritime Organizations global decarbonisation goals, enabling a significant reduction in carbon and particulate emissions from ocean-going vessels. Kerala has achieved yet another proud milestone through the Vizhinjam International Seaport, said Ports Minister V N Vasavan, emphasising the projects importance for both the state and the nation. The landmark initiative was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. The MoU was exchanged between Ashwini Gupta, CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), and Rahul Tandon, head of BPCLs Gas Business, in the presence of senior officials including Subhankar Sen (marketing director), G R Vetsa (director finance - BPCL), Manoj Menon (head, BPCL Industrial & Commercial Business), Pradeep Jayaraman (CEO, AVPPL), and Aenna Jagga (head, Business Development, APSEZ). For APSEZ, the initiative reaffirms its commitment to developing next-generation, sustainable ports that enhance Indias logistics network while setting new benchmarks in environmentally responsible operations. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Ashwini Gupta stated that the collaboration underscores the companys dedication to creating green, future-ready maritime facilities. BPCL, on its part, will contribute its extensive technical expertise and operational excellence to deliver world-class LNG bunkering services, ensuring reliability and efficiency in line with global standards. Vizhinjams geographical position offers a strategic edge: located barely 10 nautical miles (around 19km) from the heavily trafficked East-West shipping lane connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and the Far East specifically the Suez-Far East and Far East-Middle East routes it serves as a natural transshipment and refuelling point. Situated at the southernmost tip of India, the port also provides convenient access to other major Indian ports on both the eastern and western seaboards. The port is expected to enter its next phase of development by November, marking yet another major step towards establishing Vizhinjam as a global hub for green maritime operations.